All I Ever Wanted Was the World

chapter 33

Dobby appeared in the Great Hall with a loud pop, and the students all came to a stop as the House-Elf began to shout.
"Dobby was told the Dark Lord had returned! Dobby says everyone must leave before he gets here!"
The small creature's voice was high and loud, and the students all stared in shock as the news began to unfold.
The Hall was filled with silence, and it was then Professor McGonagall stood from her place in an instant as the air was filled with silent fear.
"Students, you will follow your respective prefects to the evacuation points. Prefects, you will be given these points. For now, please stay clam as we organize the details."

"Professor! Where's Headmaster Snape?"
Her face was fierce and determined, but a hint of fear laid in her eyes as she noted the empty seat at the table.

"He has...gone." She replied simply.
"What if we want to fight?" Someone shouted from the Gryffindor table.
"I can't risk anyone! You're all students." The woman shook her head, but her eyes scanned the crowd of students.
There were faces of fear, of anger, of determination.
Suddenly, the voices erupted and shouts of desperation and determination filtered from the students.
"If" McGonagall faltered, looking to the other Professors at the table. They nodded their heads, some clutching their heads and others looking frail and pale.
"If you are of age," she continued, "I cannot keep you from fighting. I cannot recommend anyone get involved in a war that does not belong to them."

The students cheered, and a sudden burst of noise exploded from outside.
The teachers gathered, and it was then McGonagall whispered to Hagrid who took off with haste.
"Prefects and students! Please follow Madame Pomfrey and Mr. Filch if you are to evacuate. First, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth years and those who are not going to fight, please make your exit."

Hermione looked at Ron, her eyes narrowed and holding a spark of fire that the ginger had never seen before. Not like this.
Her bushy hair was pinned back, but the curled strands surrounded her dark cheeks in a refusal to be tamed.
Ron tried to remember as much of her as possible, from the tan of her to the darkness of her eyes.
He only wished they could have kissed before.

He grasped her hand underneath the table and gave it a squeeze, his other hand gripping his wand as he tugged on her arm, gesturing towards the entrance of the hall where the students were trickling out.
She gave him a grim smile, her own wand held tightly in her smaller hand as they rose from the table.
They would stay to find Harry, and they would fight for Hogwarts.

McGonagall adjusted her grip on her wand and gave a firm nod to the other Professors, and they began to head outside as to begin warding the castle grounds while Hagrid made his own exit.

It would finally happen after all.

"Since when did you learn to apparate anyways?" Harry stumbled and was quickly righted by the blonde who looked a little shaky himself.
The alley they resided in was nestled between two shops, and Harry leaned against the wall as he peered around the corner, seeing the panicked voices of wizards and witches alike.
He felt cold as the words flooded his ears.
"Hogwarts!"
"The children, O' Merlin!"
"We have to leave!"

"We were working on it this year, sixth year and all." Draco responded offhandedly as Harry quickly threw the invisibility cloak over the both of them.
Draco was now closely hovering to the side of Harry, and their pace began to match once they stepped into the streets of Hogsmede.
"I know a passageway to Hogwarts, we can get there quickly." Harry told the other, easily slipping into his role to lead the other.

"How would you even know about something like that? Oh right, you're the chosen one." Draco started, his voice raising before he stopped himself. He felt a flush cross his face, as if he hadn't realized what he had said.
"I happen to know what happens beyond Hogwarts, unfortunately." Harry snapped, for once glad that it was so loud that their voices didn't matter.
"Right." Draco said dryly, but he forewent the idea of continuing the short argument.
After all, they had more to worry about.